Egor Dëmin Shines on Rising Stars Stage, Adds Another Milestone to Promising Rookie Season
Brooklyn Nets rookie Egor Dëmin didn’t need to light up the scoreboard to make his presence felt during NBA All-Star Weekend. The 19-year-old guard took the floor in the Rising Stars event and walked away with a championship trophy in hand - not a bad way to spend your first All-Star break.
Dëmin suited up for Team Vince, coached by Hall of Famer and former Net Vince Carter, in the tournament-style showcase featuring some of the league’s most exciting first- and second-year players. He chipped in four points across two games, including a solid showing in the title game with two points, two rebounds, and a block. More importantly, he played his role within a team that edged out Team Melo - led by Carmelo Anthony - in a tightly contested 25-24 final.
While Dëmin didn’t dominate the stat sheet, he was part of a winning formula - a group of young players who bought into Carter’s game plan and executed when it mattered. After the final buzzer, Dëmin stood alongside Carter, trophy in hand, a snapshot moment that marked another step in his rising NBA journey.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe earned MVP honors for the event, dropping 17 points in the semifinal and adding six more in the final. But Dëmin’s contributions went beyond the box score. His defensive presence, willingness to move the ball, and comfort in the moment were all on display - traits that have become hallmarks of his rookie campaign in Brooklyn.
Beyond the court, Dëmin used the All-Star break to connect with some of the NBA’s biggest names, including three-time champion Dwyane Wade. That meeting wasn’t just a casual photo op. Dëmin signed with Li-Ning and Wade’s ‘Way of Wade’ brand back in October 2025, and the 13-time All-Star has been a vocal supporter of the young guard ever since.
“Obviously we’ve been big fans of Egor for a while,” Wade said during a promotional shoot. “We’re lucky to have him in our brand representing the Way of Wade 12’s on the court.”
Wade also praised Dëmin’s character and approach to the game, noting how coachable and grounded he’s been throughout his rookie season.
"You get this essence of Egor,” Wade said. “Watching him throughout the year - watching him develop, watching him grow, watching him be coached and allowing the coach to coach him - I’m so excited for him.”
That growth has been steady and impressive. Through his first 46 games with the Nets, Dëmin is averaging 10.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. He’s also shooting a sharp 39.6% from beyond the arc - a promising sign for a player whose offensive skillset is still developing.
While the Rising Stars event didn’t give Dëmin a chance to fully showcase his shooting range or offensive creativity, it did offer a glimpse into how he fits in among the league’s next generation of stars. He’s not just keeping pace - he’s earning respect from legends and carving out his own path.
The All-Star break is often a turning point for rookies. For Dëmin, it’s a chance to reset, reflect, and return to the Nets with even more confidence. If his performance - and the company he’s keeping - is any indication, Brooklyn may have something special on their hands.